MAKKAH — Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Business Center Majed Al-Qasabi inaugurated the center’s new branch in Makkah in partnership with the Makkah Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony was attended by Abdullah Saleh Kamel, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, alongside heads of chambers and a group of business leaders from the region. In his address, Al-Qasabi underscored that the Kingdom’s business sector benefits from the steadfast support of the wise leadership, which has prioritized the empowerment of diverse economic sectors as a cornerstone of national development. “This commitment is reflected in the continuous enhancement of services and sustained efforts to position the Kingdom’s business environment as a globally competitive and attractive destination,” he said. Al-Qasabi noted that the Makkah region possesses significant competitive advantages that render it one of the most compelling destinations for business activity. He expressed appreciation for the support extended to the trade system and business sector by Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal. Al-Qasabi stated that the inauguration of the branch, in collaboration with the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, coincides with the implementation of 1,000 economic and developmental reforms by the National Competitiveness Center. These programs are aimed at enhancing the business environment and strengthening the Kingdom’s global competitiveness, in partnership with 65 government entities. The minister explained that the new branch will contribute to elevating the attractiveness of the business environment while improving the efficiency and quality of government services delivered to the private sector and entrepreneurs. It will provide more than 6,000 services offered by 62 relevant government entities, besides permanent representatives from the Ministries of Commerce, Human Resources and Social Development, Municipalities and Housing, Justice, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the General Organization for Social Insurance, and the Makkah Chamber of Commerce. Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Kamel affirmed that launching of the Saudi Business Center branch at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce represents an important step in supporting the business environment in the holy city. He noted that the chamber is working to provide the necessary support to investors and business owners. He expressed his gratitude to Al-Qasabi and all those working within the system for their efforts in developing the business sector in the Kingdom and enhancing and facilitating services provided to the sector across all regions. It is worthy to note that the Saudi Business Center provides 6,000 government services through its 20 branches, which are distributed across 15 cities throughout the Kingdom. The center's digital business platform offers high-value services designed to enable investors and business owners to complete the procedures for starting, operating, and growing their businesses.